I have the entire week off. Yes, I am on vacation from my day job. I had planned to spend this week writing. I wanted to make good use of this time since the later part of the week (the weekend), I'm going out of town and will not be able to focus on writing. So the problem comes in that I can't get myself centered and settled to start writing anything. My brain is all over the place, from playing with my video editor, my 3d modeler, my guitar, and whatever else seems to pop into my mind. I'm not ADD or ADHD, at least I don't think I am. I have never been tested for it, however, it seems like that's what it is. I don't know. All I know is that I need to get myself centered and start writing.
Does anyone have any tips on how to accomplish that before I run out of time?
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I write random scenes to get into the writing flow, Donte Burks. Sometimes I outline to get into the writing flow. And sometimes I just have to force myself to write, and I eventually get into the writing flow.
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Do something you tend to resist doing...keep it small like the dishes... this minor exercise in disciplined action will allow you to upgrade to the real task at hand... .. i have noticed that all your habitual acts have been with things you don't mind doing... ...humans are hardwired to love "recess"...
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If you first write down what you want to say with your story it might work because that comes from the center of you.
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Do you use task management tools at all? Since I got my Apple Watch, I set reminders for myself to do things at certain times, reminders to check other tools I use as well. I have Drafts on my watch to capture any random ideas I might have so they don't slip away, and I use the synchronization with the phone/tablet/desktop apps to get things into Scrivener where I can make them into something real.
You can do it! See you on the dance floor.
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Only work on your writing when you feel motivated to.
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Thanks, guys. You've all given me great advice. Hannibal I think your advice is going to fix the rest of my life. LOL. Maurice, your's is something I have always done in the past. Except for the outlining part. But I've gotten a bit of good information from all of you.
However, Marcel, with my broken brain, I think waiting for motivation is not for me. I've spent 30 years waiting for motivation. I think I just have to push.
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You're welcome, Donte Burks. An outline also helps me stay focused/stay on track when I write a script. I'll write myself into corners if I don't have an outline. I don't know if you write your logline before you write the script, but a logline is another thing that helps me stay focused/stay on track when I write a script.
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hi Donte- you've gotten some great advice already.. something that helps me is a change of scenery. a coffee shop, a diner, a book store. whereever. a place that doesn't have the distractions of home. that allows me to settle in a bit and focus on the task at hand. and remember- it doesn't have to be a lot. just a couple of pages to start is a start, know what I mean? you've got this.
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A lot of artists use drugs, booze, sex, some addiction to help with work. Show biz corporations generally dont ask artists to take drug tests
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Try setting a clock to write in 1.5 hours chunks.
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Meditation really helped me with this.
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I recommend time blocking and also giving yourself time for you. Such as a nature walk with no phone or some yoga :) Wishing you the best.
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Time blocking is a incredibly useful tool for a creative mind.
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I would start by working out a writing schedule. Your first priority is to sit at your desk for say, 4 hours and start doing simple tasks such as writing a few pages of a diary, starting a book report of a screenwriting book, reading two chapters of a novel etc. At first, your commitment is to turn up and sit there for your allotted time. Once you develop a routine, the writing should eventually come.